Core PSE

Introduction

Personal and Social Education (PSE) in Allerton High aims to help our students embrace change, feel positive about who they are and enjoy healthy, safe, responsible and fulfilled lives. Students learn to recognise and manage risk taking, increasing responsibility for themselves, their choices and behaviours. They learn to appreciate the importance of making positive contributions to their families, schools and communities. As they explore similarities and differences between people and discuss social and moral dilemmas, they learn to deal with challenges and accommodate diversity in all its forms. They identify and articulate feelings and emotions as well as learn to manage new or difficult situations positively and form and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people. The RSE element of PSE lessons is delivered in an age appropriate manner. The aim of RSE is to give young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds, not just intimate relationships. Students learn what a healthy relationship looks like and how to identify when relationships are not right and understand how such situations can be managed.

PSE education aims to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to make the most of changing opportunities in learning and work. It expands their horizons by challenging stereotyping, discrimination and other cultural and social barriers to choice. It helps students to aim high. Students build a positive and realistic view of their needs and capabilities so that they can make effective learning plans, decisions and transitions. They become aware of changing career opportunities and develop the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about which learning programmes to take.

The course overview below outlines which topics are taught in KS3 throughout the year. In KS4, students cover issues as part of a carousel programme. This allows issues to be explored in greater depth with specialist teachers. These topics include: Financial Capability, Political Literacy, Mental Health, RSE and managing risky behaviours. These topics aim to engage students with the issues facing them as citizens on a personal, local and national scale. Students are provided with all the relevant factual information they need, while lessons are often focused around discussion - encouraging students to form and express their own opinions on the topics covered.

How is the course assessed?

There is no formal assessment for this course. However students are assessed on their engagement and participation.

Homework and learning outside the classroom

There are a number of visitors who come in to school to deliver performances and workshops to support our KS3 and KS4 PSE curriculum.